Eid 2024: When is Eid al-Fitr and how do you wish someone a happy Eid?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and Muslims will soon celebrate “the festival of breaking the fast”.

When is Eid?

Muslims around the world will soon celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a holiday which marks the end of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a time of reflection and followers of Islam observe the holy month by fasting during the day for a period of four weeks. Following the lunar cycle, the holy month is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and the date it falls on varies by year.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is the holiday which marks the end of Ramadan, a month where Muslims not only fast, but increase worship, charity and good deeds. Eid translates to “the festival of breaking the fast” and is typically celebrated through prayer, spending time with loved ones and enjoying food. Gifts are often exchanged as well as sweets.

It lasts only one day, however in some Muslim countries celebrations can take place for up to three days.

In preparation for Eid, adult Muslims who have the means to must pay Zakat al Fitr - also known as Fitrana - which is a charitable donation of food to be given before the end of Ramadan and Eid prayer.

Eid al-Fitr comes at the end of Ramadan, a time of fasting and prayer for Muslims around the world. (Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images)

When is Eid al-Fitr?

In 2024, Eid al-Fitr in the UK is expected to fall on Wednesday, April 10 though exact timings will depend on when the moon is seen. The exact date may vary from country to country.

How to wish someone a happy Eid

If you would like to wish someone a happy Eid, you can say ‘Eid Mubarak’, which means blessed feast or blessed festival. You can also wish someone a “Blessed Eid”, or ‘Eid sa'id’ which means happy Eid.

If you wish someone “Eid Mubarak”, one response is often “Khair Mubarak” which returns the good will of the blessing.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan marks the month when the Quran, the ancient religious text of Islam, was said to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad by God.

It is seen as a month of fasting and abstinence to cleanse that which is impure from the mind and body, which is why Muslims are required to spend the full month fast from food and drink during daylight hours. It is a means of honouring their faith while their hunger allows them to empathise with the suffering of others.

Fasting, however, is only one of five pillars in Islam which every follower of the faith must fulfil, the pillars include a Declaration of Faith (Shahada), Prayers (Salah), Charity (Zakat), Fasting (Sawm) and Pilgrimage (Hajj).

How long do Muslims fast for?

Muslims fast during sunlight hours so as the days get longer this means longer times in which they must refrain from eating.

Many followers of the faith will eat a large meal before sunrise which is known as ‘suhoor’ which translates to ‘pre-dawn meal’. During Ramadan the meal eaten after sunset is referred to as ‘iftar’, but the times of these events depend on where you live in the world so be sure to check your local timezone in advance.

Although fasting is considered mandatory among every functional and able Muslim, there are those exempt from the practice under some circumstances. For example, if you are someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, diabetic, suffering illness, menstruating or travelling for long distances then non-participation should be understood by others.

When will Ramadan start in 2025?

In 2024, Ramadan began toward the start of March. However, as the holy month follows the lunar cycle, next year Ramadan is expected to begin toward the end of February or the start of March, 2025.

The exact timings will vary depending on where you are, with the holiday officially beginning based on when the moon is sighted.

How can you wish someone a Happy Ramadan?

Two frequently used greetings for someone observing Ramadan are ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ and ‘Ramadan Kareem’. Ramadan Mubarak is thought to be the most well-known phrase to people outside of Islam, it directly translates to ‘blessed Ramadan’ and serves as a generic greeting.

Ramadan Kareem translates to ‘have a generous Ramadan’, in response you may hear the phrase ‘Allah Akram’ which means ‘God is more generous’.